UP Lokayukta to probe graft allegation against mining minister

Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta on Monday said a probe would be launched into the allegation of corruption against state mining minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati even as the complainant has offered to withdraw the case.

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Lokayukta on Monday said a probe would be launched into the allegation of corruption against state mining minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati even as the complainant has offered to withdraw the case.

A complaint was filed with UP Lokayukta NK Mehrotra by Om Shankar Dwivedi on December 11 against the minister alleging that he has amassed wealth disproportionate to his known sources of income.

The Lokayukta said he would probe the matter on the basis of "whatever" documents he has before him.

"Om Shankar Dwivedi, who has made a complaint against Prajapati, has expressed his inability to furnish any further evidence against the minister. However, I will probe the case on the basis of whatever documents I have before me," Mehrotra said.

"Although Dwivedi in his four paragraph affidavit also said that he was willing to withdraw the complaint but as per the Constitution, a complaint once filed before Lokayukta cannot be withdrawn in an arbitrary manner," he added.

In the 1,727 pages complaint, it has been alleged that Gyatri and his family members have properties in Amethi, Lucknow and Mohanlalganj.

Dwivedi also mentioned five companies in which Gyatri, his wife and son are directors.

It has been alleged that the mining minister amassed assets worth crores of rupees misusing his office.

However, Prajapati has denied the allegations and offered to quit politics, if charges against him were found true.

Prajapati, a Samjwadi Party MLA from Amethi, said that the complaint was an attempt to "malign" his political image and he would explore legal action against those involved in the act.

A few days ago, another complaint was filed with the anti-corruption ombudsman in the state against UP Secondary Education Minister Mehboob Ali.

"A complaint has been received against secondary education minister Mehboob Ali, but we have to go through into it in detail," Justice N K Mehrotra had said on December 20.